Businessman Benedikt Sveinsson passes away at 86 in Iceland

Benedikt Sveinsson, a prominent businessman and lawyer, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 86. Throughout his career, he practiced law and served on the boards of various companies. Benedikt is survived by his wife, Guðríður Jónsdóttir, and their three sons, including Bjarni Benediktsson, the Prime Minister of Iceland.

Born on July 31, 1936, Benedikt obtained his law degree in 1964 and studied business at the University of Minnesota in the United States. He became a Supreme Court lawyer in 1969 and spent many years practicing law while also engaging in the shipping industry. His directorships included corporations like Sjóvá, Eimskip, Flugleiðir, and Marel.

In public service, Benedikt was a city councilor for the Independence Party in Garðabær for twelve years, during which he served as the leader of the ruling coalition and chaired the municipal council for a decade. A supporter of local sports, he played soccer during his youth with Vals and was a fan of Stjarnan in Garðabær.

Benedikt’s contributions to both business and community service will be remembered, and his legacy continues through his family and the many organizations he impacted throughout his life.